Zephaniah 1:11

(11) Maktesh.—Better, the mortar, a term indicating probably some part of the city lying in a hollow: perhaps that part which was in the valley of Tyropœon. This quarter is described by Josephus as “full of houses” (B.J. V. iv. § 1). Hence some detect in the name “mortar” an allusion to the noisy din of the commerce here conducted. The name occurs here only. Some suppose that it is a term coined by Zephaniah, to signify how everything in Jerusalem should be bruised to pieces as in a mortar.

Merchant people.—Literally, people of Canaan, a phrase used elsewhere for traders and merchants, and therefore not to be restricted to its original signification here.

All they that bear silver.—Literally, all they that are laden with silver. Another mode of designating this commercial class.